PFAW Statement on Filibuster of Democracy for All Amendment: ‘Astounded’ by Opponents’ Hypocrisy

WASHINGTON — Today Senator Reid was forced to file cloture to defeat an effort by opponents to block debate on the Democracy for All Amendment, a proposed constitutional amendment that would overturn decisions like Citizens United v. FEC and restore legislators’ ability to put reasonable limits on money in elections.

People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“I am astounded by the hypocrisy of the Democracy for All Amendment’s opponents. After pushing the myth that amendment proponents are trying to repeal the First Amendment, GOP senators are blocking the proposal from even being debated. They’ve tried to use free speech arguments as a fig leaf to explain their opposition to this amendment. Blocking debate shows just how cynical those arguments have always been.

“Even if those who oppose the amendment prefer to stand on the side of corporations and billionaires rather than on the side of ordinary Americans, the Democracy for All Amendment deserves a yes-or-no vote. By blocking debate, they are stifling the voices of the millions of Americans calling for an amendment.”

The Democracy for All Amendment currently has 50 supporters in the Senate, and a new poll released yesterday shows that nearly three in four voters (73 percent) support a constitutional amendment to overturn decisions like Citizens United. More than two million Americans have signed petitions in support of such an amendment.